Rilee Beisler HUMANE-I-TARIAN Award

The Rilee Beisler Humane-i-tarian Award is inspired by the heroic actions of 11-year-old Rilee. On May 5, 2021, she tragically lost her life attempting to rescue her two puppies, Dobby and Luna. 

HSSC's mission is to engage the hearts, hands, and minds of the community to help animals. Rilee Beisler's huge heart for animals is an inspiration and a testament to the strength of the human-animal bond. May we remember and honor the life of this young lady and celebrate other animal-loving young people.

Children ages 6-17 who live in Sarasota County and exemplify compassion, love, and respect for animals are eligible to be nominated for this award.

Humane Education Award

The Humane Society of Sarasota County’s Humane Education Program teaches people of all ages to respect the animals that share our world, both in our homes and in our communities. Humane education fosters compassion, responsibility, and kindness—for animals and people alike. Fundamentally, the goal of humane education is to make the world a better place for all living creatures.

The focus on global citizenship makes humane education compatible with other educational theories, including service-learning, character building, and democratic education, all of which promote personal and global responsibility. By demonstrating that actions have consequences, the humane education curriculum builds empathy and higher-order thinking skills.

This award is open to a Sarasota County teacher or educational professional who encourages compassionate care for animals and promotes responsible pet ownership in our community.

HSSC Founder's Award

In the fall of 1951, Donald Evans lost his dog. Eventually, the dog catcher caught the dog, but no one contacted Mr. Evans. His beloved dog was euthanized. Mr. Evans was so upset that he vowed to start a Humane Society to prevent this from happening to others. On the night of January 15, 1952, 70 people met at the Sunshine Kitchen and formed the new society. The Humane Society of Sarasota County, Inc., was incorporated on February 8, 1952.

The Articles of Incorporation read, “The purposes of this corporation are: promoting the welfare of all animals in Sarasota County, Florida; caring for and finding homes for animals; encouraging kindness toward animals and assisting in the enforcement of all laws and ordinances for the protection of animals; operating an animal shelter for animals; and pursuing other humane objectives.”

The Founder's award is open to an individual who promotes animal welfare in Sarasota County, cares for and finds homes for animals, encourages kindness, and pursues humane objectives.

Helping Heroes Public Service Award

Whether a member of the community or an animal care specialist, sometimes quick thinking or compassionate, heroic actions make the difference in the life of a dog or cat and HSSC wants to honor these actions. Nominate an organization or individual that has demonstrated heroic measures or stewardship to save the life of an animal(s).

Humane in Action Award

Annual partners, event sponsors, and program sponsors will help the Humane Society of Sarasota County save the lives of more than 3,000 cats and dogs this year and enrich human lives along the way. Did you know that HSSC receives no federal funding, nor are we part of any national humane organization? It’s true. We rely solely on contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Nominate an HSSC partner business or organization that puts their love into action through advocacy, resources, treasure, or talent to save animals in Sarasota County and beyond.

HSSC Pet Advocate Award

At the Humane Society of Sarasota County, the staff, fosters, and volunteers have the right to advocate for an animal in our care. From writing website bios and spending one on one time to advocating for the training and medical care of an animal, HSSC advocates make a difference in the lives of our shelter pets every single day. This honor recognizes individual achievement of an individual who demonstrated outstanding service in the life of an animal in HSSC's care. Open to partner organizations, businesses, staff, and volunteers.

A MESSAGE FROM RILEE'S GRANDFATHER

"In this day and age because of the COVID monster, our attentions have gravitated to smaller more withdrawn personal contacts, but we sometimes forget other things around us, like our animals. They give us joy and inner peace we also take for granted.

For my generation (many years ago) as a child my dog was one of the most important parts of my life. Rilee was the same way. She lived with us for many years before moving over to her mother's trailer at Sun n Fun. The puppies she cared for were two Pitbull pups her mother’s friend left behind. Rilee started training them to walk on a leash, to sit, and to become “potty trained”. She loved them both and they became an important part of her life. They gave Rilee joy, and she repaid that affection with caring and love. She never gave a second thought to entering a burning building to save them, even if she should have known better. She didn’t understand the dynamics of a confined-but-powerful fire, and it cost her life. Her only thought was to rescue those two pups, and her bravery set terrible circumstances into motion. It’s that bravery and awareness of the value of two simple dogs that we wish to celebrate and remember, annually.

For kids her age, pets are a sanctuary in today's confused and uncertain times. We sincerely hope to contribute, in Rilee’s memory, a sense of responsibility and caring among kids her age, and others, of course, that will guide them toward their adult years to be passed down for generations to come." 

—Pete Beisler